ESPN NFL Preseason Power Rankings

[NoCalMike 0]

Eagles are taking the NFC East.

 

They had the best draft selecting this year(Brodick and Winston are going to help us out big time filling needs that we need, Bloom could develop into a good KR, and Avant could be a sleeper). Yes one of the main reasons that I'm picking the Eagles, is because they are my team. But everyone in this thread has done the same.

 

Howard and Gaffney were good signings aswell. But I think the main the thing that will help us out is that Donovan McNabb is healthy. Everyone mentions we don't have a big name WR, but we went to the NFC Divison Championship 4 straight years without a big name WR(T.O. got injured in his 1st season and McNabb lifted his team to the Superbowl).

 

Last year also showed the potential of Reggie Brown and Ryan Moats. Those guys will be key players next year. People are sleeping on Reggie Brown, he will be our #1 WR most likely. Ryan Moats will most likely serve as a 3rd down/Short yardage RB.

 

GO EAGLES GO!

 

 

No Running Game and/or Commitment to the running game. Even when the Eagles COULD run the ball, Andy Reid didn't seem to like to do it very much.

 

The Defense in the NFC East is going to be too tough on one-dimensional offenses. I can only imagine what it will look like when McNabb is forced to call 20 playaction passes in a row, as the defenses stop biting on it after the 3rd attempt.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

The Eagles are going to finish last in their division again.

[Guest]

No, the Giants will. They have no defense and will be torched by the other teams in the East.

[therealworldschampion 0]

Eagles season depends on how the defense plays. People tend to forget that in the wake of the TO mess, injuries and some ineffective play on defense was the reason why the Eagles fell so far. If they can get back to their second half of 2004 play, the team will be much better next year.

[naiwf 0]

No, the Giants will. They have no defense and will be torched by the other teams in the East.

 

Two words for that: nigga please. The Giants may finish last, but that's because our out of division schedule is insanely difficult from what I remember. At worst we go 3-3 in the division, it's the other 12 games that scare me. Our offense should put up 24+ PPG, and that'll be enough to win a good portion of our games.

[Ripper 0]

I think the Falcons are rated too low. I think strenghting the offesive line, put in Abraham on the other end opposite Kerney and adding Lawyer Milloy to the defensive Secondary is going to be huge.

 

Plus the returning Ed Hartwell bolstering the already strong linebacker corp, I think they are in for another great year.

 

Ripper - awaits the OMG VICK IS THE SUXORS!!! comments.

[Special K 0]

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

 

SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!

[Guest]

Two words for that: nigga please. The Giants may finish last, but that's because our out of division schedule is insanely difficult from what I remember. At worst we go 3-3 in the division, it's the other 12 games that scare me. Our offense should put up 24+ PPG, and that'll be enough to win a good portion of our games.

They're still going to get torched.

 

The way that Atlanta manages Vick is stupid, and that's why people get the idea he sucks. He sucks at what they're trying to make him do. With him, you have to be willing to let him run a lot. I think they're rated low.

[Ripper 0]

No he is good at what they were making him do. Then came that Jets game where he played like crap, the press jumped all over him (they won the fucking game by the way) so he goes out and decides he wants to be dan fucking Marino, has a big game against the Dolphins (which they barely won) which lead to him actually believing that he could be Dan Fucking Marino. So Atlantas coaching crew, being the bitches that they were, bent over and gave Vick all that he wanted, changed the play book from their grind it out running game (you know, the one that had them leading the division, the one that lead them to the NFC Championship game the year before...the one that was leading the league) and let Vick air it out, which lead to alot of 3 and outs and bad field position and lots of points put up on the defense, which looked worse than it was because of the sucky offensive play.

 

What makes Vick special is the fact he can run a 4.4 and can make people miss AND he has a rocket for a arm. Take one of those things away and are basically saying "Hey, let me be like everyone else." Thats like Kareem not doing the sky hook because other players couldn't do it.

 

Basically, Vick and the coaching staff let sport writers punk them into throwing away the second half of last year.

[Guest]

They suck at airing the ball out, that's what I was trying to say.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Eagles are taking the NFC East.

 

They had the best draft selecting this year(Brodick and Winston are going to help us out big time filling needs that we need, Bloom could develop into a good KR, and Avant could be a sleeper). Yes one of the main reasons that I'm picking the Eagles, is because they are my team. But everyone in this thread has done the same.

 

Howard and Gaffney were good signings aswell. But I think the main the thing that will help us out is that Donovan McNabb is healthy. Everyone mentions we don't have a big name WR, but we went to the NFC Divison Championship 4 straight years without a big name WR(T.O. got injured in his 1st season and McNabb lifted his team to the Superbowl).

 

Last year also showed the potential of Reggie Brown and Ryan Moats. Those guys will be key players next year. People are sleeping on Reggie Brown, he will be our #1 WR most likely. Ryan Moats will most likely serve as a 3rd down/Short yardage RB.

 

GO EAGLES GO!

 

 

No Running Game and/or Commitment to the running game. Even when the Eagles COULD run the ball, Andy Reid didn't seem to like to do it very much.

 

The Defense in the NFC East is going to be too tough on one-dimensional offenses. I can only imagine what it will look like when McNabb is forced to call 20 playaction passes in a row, as the defenses stop biting on it after the 3rd attempt.

 

 

Actually Reid has already said he will be commited to rushing the ball more, to relieve stress off his new WR core. Westbrook and Moats is a good RB core, and would cause problems for alot of defense. Coming off a serious injury, I except the smart IQ of Andy Reid to relieve stress off McNabb and allow the runningbacks to do some work for him so he can be the old McNabb.

 

I won't deny, Duce Staley's running had alot to do with McNabb's success. Andy Reid knows this.

 

Redskins yes have added some offensive weapons to their attack. But in order to be an actual "Superbowl" winning team, they need to just let Burnell go, and let the new gun, Jason Campbell take them to it. I know Brunell is going to get injury, and Campbell will have to step in and prove he's better then oldflolk Mark.

 

Randle El was the Steelers 3rd string WR, and Lloyd while made some nice catches, isn't a smart WR at all.

 

Eagles will win the divison, and McNabb and Jim Johnson's defense will lead them there.

[the pinjockey 0]

The fullback situation has me hesitant about buying Reid's commitment to running talk. Brian Westbrook was at his best as a runner when he was running behind Ritchie and neither Tapeh or Parry are a blocking FB.

 

While the pure blocking FB doesn't really fit into his scheme (having limited versatility, HAVING to be able to catch the ball), it does give me enough concern to make me take a show me before I believe it approach.

 

The WR thing has been beaten to death. No they don't have a TO, but I see no reason that the following can't realistically happen:

Westbrook: 75 catches

Brown: 70 catches

LJ Smith: 60 catches

Gaffney: 50 catches

Spare parts chip in another 50 and they'll be fine

 

I am much more concerned about the fact they will be relying on a rookie (Bunkley) plus Barber/McCoy and Jones/Gocong battles at the OLB slots. They desperately need at least one OLB to step up this year against the TEs or they are in trouble. And without Bunkley creating pressure the secondary is screwed same as last season. I like Patterson, but he doesn't have the size to fight double teams which would happen if Bunkley doesn't step in right away.

[UZI Suicide 0]

Philly dominated at a time when the NFC East as a whole was awful. If anything, their wide receivers might be a little better than they were pre-TO, but their defense isn't anywhere near as good as it was, and their running game won't be as good either. I can easily see them finishing in last place.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Philly dominated at a time when the NFC East as a whole was awful. If anything, their wide receivers might be a little better than they were pre-TO, but their defense isn't anywhere near as good as it was, and their running game won't be as good either. I can easily see them finishing in last place.

 

Our defense is fine. We got great DB's, and we added more depth to our DLine. Darren Howard should compliment Kearse fine. And we filled the need for a DT, when we drafted the Incredible Hulk.

 

Our LB's are a bit suspect, but I think that Jim Johnson can deal with it. Trottier will hold it down at the MLB and continue to stuff RB's, Dhani Jones is a pretty good LB also and is a good start. The problem is on the leftside, but like I said Jim Johnson will deal with it.

 

Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown will cause alot of problems, for QB's like they did in the past. And there's no need to explain anything about Brian Dawkins.

 

We held our own last year despite McNabb only being 50% and having to leave halfway through the season, and the whole T.O. saga, and we showed that we have great young players.

 

You guys will look stupid come season time, because our running game is going to be fine. Westbrook is a pro bowl RB, and Ryan Moats should his potential towards the end of the season.

 

Watch out NFC East.

[Guest Dolfan483]

As being one of the biggest Dolphins fans in the world, i have to say that the Phins will top the Patriots and take control of the AFC East. I was just looking up the stats that Tom Brady has put up against the Dolphins, and they are just barley over mediocore. He has 18 TD passes and 16 INT's, The most INT's against any team in the NFL and the fewest TD's against any other team. And he has also said himself that his most feared opponett heading into every year is the Dolphins because they always seem to keep him in check. He also has a 55% Completion Percentage against the Dolphins and his Career % is 61 so what does that tell you? While i dont think the Dolphins will quite make the Super Bowl this year, i do think they will be a force to be rekon with for a long time and will probably make the AFC Championship this year.

[Guest Felonies!]

As being one of the biggest Dolphins fans in the world

O RLY

barley over mediocore

ha

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

As being one of the biggest Dolphins fans in the world, i have to say that the Phins will top the Patriots and take control of the AFC East. I was just looking up the stats that Tom Brady has put up against the Dolphins, and they are just barley over mediocore. He has 18 TD passes and 16 INT's, The most INT's against any team in the NFL and the fewest TD's against any other team. And he has also said himself that his most feared opponett heading into every year is the Dolphins because they always seem to keep him in check. He also has a 55% Completion Percentage against the Dolphins and his Career % is 61 so what does that tell you? While i dont think the Dolphins will quite make the Super Bowl this year, i do think they will be a force to be rekon with for a long time and will probably make the AFC Championship this year.

 

Laughable. You cannot base a team's future success on how well they "keep Brady in check". Last I checked, they only play 2 games versus the Patriots. With that said, the Dolphins has a good chance of getting a playoff spot, but it really depends on how well their running game goes with just Ronnie Brown and if Daunte can click with the WRs/TE.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

No he is good at what they were making him do. Then came that Jets game where he played like crap, the press jumped all over him (they won the fucking game by the way) so he goes out and decides he wants to be dan fucking Marino, has a big game against the Dolphins (which they barely won) which lead to him actually believing that he could be Dan Fucking Marino. So Atlantas coaching crew, being the bitches that they were, bent over and gave Vick all that he wanted, changed the play book from their grind it out running game (you know, the one that had them leading the division, the one that lead them to the NFC Championship game the year before...the one that was leading the league) and let Vick air it out, which lead to alot of 3 and outs and bad field position and lots of points put up on the defense, which looked worse than it was because of the sucky offensive play.

 

What makes Vick special is the fact he can run a 4.4 and can make people miss AND he has a rocket for a arm. Take one of those things away and are basically saying "Hey, let me be like everyone else." Thats like Kareem not doing the sky hook because other players couldn't do it.

 

Basically, Vick and the coaching staff let sport writers punk them into throwing away the second half of last year.

 

I think Vick is a good QB, but I still think Jim Mora's west coast offense hurts him.

 

When he was in Dan Reeves system I thought he was a much better QB. Dan Reeves got screwed over when they fired him. It's not his fault his star QB got injured during the pre-season.

 

I still think if Dan Reeves was still the coach, Vick would be a better QB.

[Guest Dolfan483]

I'm not trying to base the teams success on the Pats at all, all im saying is that most of everybody is drooling about the Pats winning the divison again, im just showing everybody that Brady is human and he does have bad games.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

No, you said that the Dolphins will win the AFC East, and implied it was because of how they beat the Patriots. However, I will also point out that besides the Pats fans on the board, there's no "drooling" over them. Most people I know seem to think the AFC East can easily be won by the Dolphins as much as it can the Pats.

[Vampiro69 0]

I know this doesn't really jive with the discussion about the pre-season ranking ESPN put out but I think it is great. This is the Vikings radio call of the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings game from a few years back in which the Cards knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs.

 

Cards knock the vikes out of the playoffs

[ANKLELOCK 0]

I guess the acquisition of Givens, Hope, Thornton, and Mawae along with an amazing draft class that will provide immediate help and another year of experience for many key players on what is by far the youngest team in the NFL means that the Titans will somehow be WORSE(?) this year than last.....idiots.

 

They belittle Volek and yet surely these great NFL insiders must know that volek, in his 10 NFL starts has thrown for by far more yards than any QB has in their first 10 starts since well..........ever.

 

Chris Brown will return to 2004 form and Travis Henry to pro bowl form just in time for LenDale White to arrive and form a three headed monster at tailback.

 

One of the best sets of LBs and one of the best D-Lines in the league along with the acquisition of Hope, who broke out last year to lead the Steelers in INTs will compensate for two 2nd year corners(who are very talented in their own right)

 

Titans will surprise. I'm biased, but nobody will remember this post for very long so I feel comfortable saying that.

[Guest Vitamin X]

I know this doesn't really jive with the discussion about the pre-season ranking ESPN put out but I think it is great. This is the Vikings radio call of the Arizona Cardinals vs Minnesota Vikings game from a few years back in which the Cards knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs.

 

Cards knock the vikes out of the playoffs

 

Oh man, I love it. I've played the .gif and sound enough already around here, though.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Watching SC, and they just had the Ravens as the #6 team in the AFC Playoffs, losing to the Patriots. Aside from the stupidity of picking the playoffs 6 months ahead..I cant believe they picked the Ravens over the Bengals or some of the other teams in the AFC that are in a better position to win more than 8 games this year. Im a big Ravens fan..rah rah..but seriously...8-8 wont get them a Wild Card and they'll be lucky to get 8 wins.

[Hawkius Maximus 0]

I'm shocked, shocked I tells ya for the lack of hate on Seahawk's being #1.

 

Considering how many people called them over-rated all last season, I figured the backlash would be immense.

 

I didn't know they lost Joe Jurevicius though. That one sucks.

[KingPK 0]

Titans will surprise. I'm biased, but nobody will remember this post for very long so I feel comfortable saying that.

 

That schedule is not very easy. Four games against tough divisional opponents (Indy and Jacksonville), playing the teams of the NFC East; really the only "easy" games I see are the Jets and Buffalo. Young teams are usually inconsistent and they've got some tough games to start off (at Miami, home vs. Dallas, at Indy), so they might be in a bit of a hole by their bye week. If Volek is at his 2004 form that will help immensly, but if not I am one of those not totally sold on Vince Young as an elite NFL QB.

[NoCalMike 0]

No he is good at what they were making him do. Then came that Jets game where he played like crap, the press jumped all over him (they won the fucking game by the way) so he goes out and decides he wants to be dan fucking Marino, has a big game against the Dolphins (which they barely won) which lead to him actually believing that he could be Dan Fucking Marino. So Atlantas coaching crew, being the bitches that they were, bent over and gave Vick all that he wanted, changed the play book from their grind it out running game (you know, the one that had them leading the division, the one that lead them to the NFC Championship game the year before...the one that was leading the league) and let Vick air it out, which lead to alot of 3 and outs and bad field position and lots of points put up on the defense, which looked worse than it was because of the sucky offensive play.

 

What makes Vick special is the fact he can run a 4.4 and can make people miss AND he has a rocket for a arm. Take one of those things away and are basically saying "Hey, let me be like everyone else." Thats like Kareem not doing the sky hook because other players couldn't do it.

 

Basically, Vick and the coaching staff let sport writers punk them into throwing away the second half of last year.

 

 

If that is honestly how you feel, they seriously the coaches need to be fired. I mean I remember when Gibbs pulled Ramsey for Brunell in Week 1, and the fans and media went crazy because of how bad an injured Brunell played in 2004, and Gibbs didn't give two shits what the media said, and assured the fans he was doing what was best for the team. Well you know the rest, all the way to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. Gibbs is a great goddamn coach.

[NoCalMike 0]

Eagles are taking the NFC East.

 

They had the best draft selecting this year(Brodick and Winston are going to help us out big time filling needs that we need, Bloom could develop into a good KR, and Avant could be a sleeper). Yes one of the main reasons that I'm picking the Eagles, is because they are my team. But everyone in this thread has done the same.

 

Howard and Gaffney were good signings aswell. But I think the main the thing that will help us out is that Donovan McNabb is healthy. Everyone mentions we don't have a big name WR, but we went to the NFC Divison Championship 4 straight years without a big name WR(T.O. got injured in his 1st season and McNabb lifted his team to the Superbowl).

 

Last year also showed the potential of Reggie Brown and Ryan Moats. Those guys will be key players next year. People are sleeping on Reggie Brown, he will be our #1 WR most likely. Ryan Moats will most likely serve as a 3rd down/Short yardage RB.

 

GO EAGLES GO!

 

 

No Running Game and/or Commitment to the running game. Even when the Eagles COULD run the ball, Andy Reid didn't seem to like to do it very much.

 

The Defense in the NFC East is going to be too tough on one-dimensional offenses. I can only imagine what it will look like when McNabb is forced to call 20 playaction passes in a row, as the defenses stop biting on it after the 3rd attempt.

 

 

Actually Reid has already said he will be commited to rushing the ball more, to relieve stress off his new WR core. Westbrook and Moats is a good RB core, and would cause problems for alot of defense. Coming off a serious injury, I except the smart IQ of Andy Reid to relieve stress off McNabb and allow the runningbacks to do some work for him so he can be the old McNabb.

 

I won't deny, Duce Staley's running had alot to do with McNabb's success. Andy Reid knows this.

 

Redskins yes have added some offensive weapons to their attack. But in order to be an actual "Superbowl" winning team, they need to just let Burnell go, and let the new gun, Jason Campbell take them to it. I know Brunell is going to get injury, and Campbell will have to step in and prove he's better then oldflolk Mark.

 

Randle El was the Steelers 3rd string WR, and Lloyd while made some nice catches, isn't a smart WR at all.

 

Eagles will win the divison, and McNabb and Jim Johnson's defense will lead them there.

 

 

Randle El will only be the 3rd string WR for the Redskins as well.

 

Brandon Lloyd will be a solid #2 and don't forget how this will open up more for Santana Moss who last year found ways to get open with all the coverage shifted towards him.

 

Also, don't forget Chris Cooley who will thrive in Al Saunders offense, as well as the Tight End signed from The Patriots,

 

The Redskins Defense will probably be just as good if not better. They lost Arrington, but that guy as great as he CAN BE, has become injury prone and screws up on the field once for every "spectacular" play he makes. The signings of Archuleta will strengthen an already deep Safety position.

 

Andre Carter should also improve the pass rush vastly, which was the ONE weakness in the Skins defense last season.

 

The Redskins offense is just too loaded to deny that they have the potential to be great. Plus lets not forget, in the playoffs last year they were without Randy Thomas who is Portis's main setup guy on his strongside sweeps.

 

Al Saunders is also one of the most quiet underrated aquisitions of the offseason. Imagine now if you can conceive it, a Chiefs Offense, with a Top 10 Defense to compliment them!!!

 

[naiwf 0]

I'm shocked, shocked I tells ya for the lack of hate on Seahawk's being #1.

 

Considering how many people called them over-rated all last season, I figured the backlash would be immense.

 

I didn't know they lost Joe Jurevicius though. That one sucks.

 

Considering that the Seahawks should be the defending Super Bowl champions, I don't think it's inaccurate to have them at # 1.

[Guest Princess Leena]

The Cards will still blow. I predict Edge will blow out a knee in Week 2. And the Cards finish 5-11, because they're the Cards.

 

And the Bills don't even need anything bad to happen for them to suck.

 

Just countering the homerism lately in this thread.